College Student Defense Attorneys in Upstate New York

If you or your child is facing allegations of academic dishonesty, sexual misconduct, or a criminal offense on campus, we can help. At E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, we regularly represent college students in Title IX and other disciplinary proceedings at colleges and universities throughout Upstate New York.

In college, mistakes happen. But, they aren’t unforgivable, and they don’t have to threaten the rest of your life. It is an unfortunate reality that being found responsible in an academic disciplinary matter can have long-lasting implications. Whether you or your child is facing suspension, expulsion, or the possibility of criminal charges, at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, we can help minimize the consequences of the accusations at hand.

Experience in College and University Disciplinary Matters

Each college and university has its own rules governing disciplinary matters. These rules vary slightly from one institution to the next, but they all generally revolve around the same three phases. These are: An investigation, a hearing, and an appeal.

In each of these phases, it is critical for the student to be as prepared and proactive as possible. Each phase requires a particular strategy, and the factors affecting the student’s decision-making will vary from point to point throughout the process, while also taking into consideration the severity of the accusations and the unique circumstances involved.

At E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, we regularly represent students in all phases of the academic disciplinary process, and we are often able to negotiate favorable outcomes that avoid the need for a formal hearing. In cases where a hearing is necessary, we provide thorough, vigorous representation throughout the process; and, if a hearing results in an adverse decision, we assist with the formal appeals process, as well.

The types of college and university disciplinary matters that we handle include, but are not limited to:

Academic dishonesty

Assault

Burglary

Criminal mischief

Dating violence

Sexual assault

Sexual harassment

Threats

Trespassing

Using drugs or alcohol on campus

Effective Advocates for Sexual Misconduct Allegations under Title IX

Increasingly, colleges and universities throughout the Upstate region are employing Title IX officers to pursue disciplinary cases against students who have been accused of sexual misconduct. Title IX cases are different from other types of academic disciplinary matters in that the accused’s rights are often more limited; and, due to the nature of the allegations, Title IX cases are often extremely sensitive for all parties involved.

In fact, in many cases, academic proceedings under Title IX will run in parallel with a civil lawsuit, criminal prosecution, or both. Civil and criminal proceedings involving allegations of sexual misconduct can have life-altering – and potentially lifelong – consequences, and any institutional disciplinary matters must be approached with these possibilities in mind. For example, statements made during a disciplinary investigation or hearing may be admissible as evidence in related civil or criminal litigation, and students accused of sexual misconduct must be extremely cautious to avoid making mistakes that could have implications well beyond the bounds of campus.

Students have the right to legal representation in Title IX matters. Although the attorney’s role is limited by rule, at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, we can make the most of our representation. Our attorneys also have extensive experience in civil litigation and criminal defense, and we can implement a comprehensive strategy designed to protect you and your family to the fullest extent possible.

Representing Students throughout Albany’s Capital Region and All of Upstate New York

Our attorneys are available to represent students in Title IX and other disciplinary matters at colleges and universities throughout Albany’s Capital Region and all of Upstate New York. This includes (but is not limited to):

Contact Us to Discuss Your Situation

If you would like to speak with an attorney about your situation, we invite you to contact us for a free, confidential consultation. To schedule an appointment, call (518) 274-5820 or contact us online today.

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"You and your staff are tops in our book. We sincerely appreciate everything you have done, and keeping us so informed with evening and weekend calls. You are so excellent at your profession and it was clearly demonstrated in what you did for us. You thoroughly enjoy your job!"- C. & J. Gottbehut

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JonesHacker.com is the website for the E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy law firm. Because each case is unique, the information provided on this website should be considered to be general in nature and never be considered a substitution for legal counsel. We have done our best to reflect current law accurately. However, we cannot guarantee this content is error-free or current at the time you visit, due to changes in NY laws or sentencing guidelines.

I understand that the use of this website for communications with the E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy Law Firm does not establish an attorney-client relationship. Messages containing confidential, personal or time-sensitive information should not be sent.